Soprano Julia Belanoff to Perform Concert at Coastal Repertory Theatre, 3/10

Award-winning, 16-year-old Bay Area soprano Julia Belanoff will perform songs from her debut classical-pop album, "Winner In Your Heart," on Saturday, March 10 at the Coastal Repertory Theatre in Half Moon Bay, California. The album, comprised of 13 original songs, five of which Belanoff co-wrote, was released on January 26.

A video for one of the songs, "Goodnight San Francisco," which she describes as a love song to the city, has been attracting attention on YouTube.

"I'm very proud of this album," she said. "It's about simplicity and beauty. These are songs that people of all ages can enjoy."

Belanoff will be accompanied by several outstanding classical musicians at the concert, including cellist Simone Vitucci, violinist Ken Christianson, pianist Kathy Blenko and classical guitarist Max Di Carlo.

Di Carlo, who is Belanoff's producer, composed and arranged all music on the album and will conduct the concert. A graduate of Italy's acclaimed Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Di Carlo produced several number one records in his native country, before coming to the United States. He has worked with Elton John, Donna Summer, and legendary Italian composer and musician Giorgio Moroder. Di Carlo also helped launch the two-time Latin Grammy-nominated group RBD. Although known primarily for his work in the pop music field, Di Carlo had always wanted to produce an album with more of a classical feel. When Lederman introduced him to Belanoff, Di Carlo was surprised to find such talent in so young an artist.

"She has a big voice and very pure ability to hit extremely high notes, which is rare for a teenage singer," Di Carlo said.

Reviewing "Winner In Your Heart," the website DreadMusicReview.com called Belanoff "…one of the most talented sopranos I have had the honor of listening to in a very long time."

Though still in high school, Belanoff studies voice at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, under Debra Lambert, head of the Department of Music & Vocal Arts.

"Debra has taught me about the classical side of things and has really given me a strong basis," Julia said. "We study a lot of Mozart and old French pieces. She has inspired me to study opera more seriously."

Belanoff, who resides in Woodside, California, has performed in many theatrical productions throughout the Bay Area, as well as at the Stagedoor Manor performing arts camp in Loch Sheldrake, New York, whose alumni include Natalie Portman, Robert Downey, Jr., Zach Braff, Jon Cryer and other well-known stage and screen actors. Recently, Belanoff received a Diamond Award from the Peninsula Arts Council, in recognition of her contribution to the performing arts the Bay Area.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Coastal Repertory Theatre, where Belanoff's vocal talent was discovered by Artistic Director Michael Lederman, when she auditioned for, and won, the role of Mary Lennox in the musical "The Secret Garden" at the age of 12. Lederman is now Belanoff's manager.

"I've been working with young actors and singers for over 20 years," he said. "When Julia auditioned for that role, she was the best by far. What makes her special is not just her talent, but her drive to succeed. She is an extraordinary singer."

Julia Belanoff will perform in concert on March 10, 2012 at the Coastal Repertory Theatre, 1167 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, California 94019.Tickets: $26 for adults, $16 for 18 and under. Admission includes hors d'oeuvres and a post-concert meet-and-greet with the singer and musicians. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., concert at 8:00 p.m. For tickets, visit www.coastalrep.com or call (650) 726-0998.

Julia Belanoff's music is available on iTunes. More information is available at www.JuliaBelanoff.com.

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